Federal Authorities Execute Search Warrant in Puerto Rico Arson Investigation
Investigation Update
Federal authorities executed a search warrant Tuesday in St. Louis in connection with an investigation in Puerto Rico of a tourist accused of setting businesses on fire last week. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in St. Louis is helping authorities in the U.S. territory conduct an arson investigation, but no arrests have been made, spokesperson Lisa Storey told NBC News.
Suspect Close to Being Charged
Authorities in Puerto Rico said they are close to charging a suspect in the incident, in which security cameras caught a tourist suspected of setting the fire, Puerto Rico’s largest newspaper, El Nuevo Día, reported Tuesday. Charges could come as soon as this week or next week, Lt. Miguel Rivera Sepúlveda of the Mayagüez Police Department’s explosives division told the newspaper.
Incident Details
The incident took place early Thursday in the small coastal town of Cabo Rojo in the southwest part of the island. The woman, whom NBC News is not naming because she has not been charged or named in the ATF investigation, left Puerto Rico and was back in the mainland, authorities in the island said.
Outrage and Concern
Videos and pictures of the incident have gone viral on social media, and it has sparked outrage among Puerto Ricans on the island and in the mainland United States. Cabo Rojo Mayor Jorge Morales Wiscovitch said, "I wish they could have arrested her yesterday. She needs to be returned immediately and face the country’s justice system. It wasn’t just businesses that were burned. There were rooms on the second floor where people were sleeping. People could have been burned and killed."
Background and Investigation
Morales said the suspect is a tourist who had been at one of the businesses, the restaurant, and was harassing people. Police escorted her twice to the nearby Airbnb property where she was staying. Later that night, after the businesses closed and everyone had gone home, reports of a fire began to emerge.
Security Video Identifies Suspect
Morales said security video from one of the businesses allowed investigators to identify the suspect as the tourist who had been harassing people earlier in the night. She later left in a white car that picked her up, Morales said.
Businesses Affected
The affected businesses include Luichy’s Seaside Hotel, Marinera Restaurant, Artesanías Juavia and Bar Marea Restaurant, which rent space in the hotel’s building. About 50 people who were staying there were evacuated, the restaurant’s post said.
Employer Suspends Employee
The suspect’s employer, HLK Agency, based in St. Louis, said in a statement on Instagram that it immediately suspended the employee pending further information.
Conclusion
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to bring the suspect to justice. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among Puerto Ricans and the international community.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the arson investigation?
A: The suspect is a tourist who was accused of setting businesses on fire in Puerto Rico.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are close to charging the suspect.
Q: What is the extent of the damage caused by the fire?
A: The fire caused damage estimated at $500,000 and affected the livelihoods of 15 employees.
Q: Has the suspect been arrested?
A: No, the suspect has not been arrested, but authorities are working to bring her to justice.
